6 Frugal Ideas to Get You Through the Cost of Living Crisis
Due to the continual cost of living crisis, I decided to share some frugal ideas that will help you spend less and save money.
Supermarket prices are through the roof. People are having to live on credit cards and going further and further into debt. Pensions are running out. It’s a dire situation.
We looked at our bills and saw that they have gone up 1/3 compared to this time last year. That’s why we’re looking at different ways to double down and be even more frugal. We’re also looking at ways to get a little bit of extra income.
1. Local farm shop
A good way to save money is to check out your local farm shop. We always try to buy locally if we can and support small businesses.
It’s not always possible and it’s not always the cheapest route, but it’s all about balance.
Buying locally-grown produce is healthier for your body and healthier for the local economy.
2. Grow what you can
If you have a garden or even just some windowsill space, try growing your own vegetables, fruits and herbs.
With food prices rising, growing your own food is a great way to save. I didn’t even plant anything fresh this year because all the herbs I planted last year grew and survived.
We’ve got sage, which makes quite a refreshing cup of tea. We’ve also got some tarragon and some chives. The chives have grown flowers which are also edible.
We’ve also got rosemary, oregano, and thyme. I’m thrilled to see my strawberry plants have started to flower. I used some fresh rosemary and garlic to make my chicken this week and it was delicious.
3. Sewing to save
Sewing is a great way to save money. Even if you don’t know how to sew a garment from scratch, you can do your own quick and easy alterations.
I had a pair of exercise pants that needed to be taken in. I started running and that caused me to lose some weight.
I’m pleased to have shed some extra pounds but I didn’t want to go spend money on new exercise pants.
I simply added a few stitches at the waist. Now they fit like new and I didn’t have to spend a dime.
4. Declutter and sell
This week I decided to put some clothes that I and my family no longer wear on a selling site online.
I even have a cheap mannequin to use for taking pictures of the clothes.
Whatever you can do to entice buyers will help you bring in a little extra cash and get out some of the clutter from your home.
5. Bargain hunt at supermarkets
Sometimes you can find really great deals at larger supermarkets.
I found canned banana blossoms for just a few cents and decided to buy a bunch of them to have for the coming months.
If you see a good sale, do some stockpiling so you have great products at unbeatable prices.
6. Side hustles
If you can carve out time to take on a side hustle you will have the benefit of bringing in some extra money.
I was shopping at my village market this week and saw a sign that said, ‘Part-time staff wanted.’ It’s just a few hours a week and it’s within walking distance of my house.
I applied for the job and I got it. I’m thrilled to have found another stream of income. Even if it isn’t much money, it’ll be more than I would have had without it.
Frugal ideas
I hope it’s been helpful to you to hear some of the ways I have been saving money and even earning a bit more.
Times are tough, but a little bit of planning and conscious spending and saving will help us through.
If you have thoughts and ideas for frugal living, leave me a comment so we can discuss and learn from each other.
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DG stores have $5 off $25 on Saturdays.The coupons are printed on the bottom of the receipts and there is always a digital one. We use several of the digital coupons to get our milk, eggs, bread, and other necessities. I also use the digital coupons. If you wait for the items to go on sale, you can double your savings on detergents, hygene products and other items. FD has the same thing except theirs are all digital.